The BBC confirmed earlier this year that its new reality show The Traitors will return for a second series after its huge success.
And there's still a few weeks to apply for the TV series.
Unfamiliar with what The Traitors actually is? Heard the named of the show being banded around, but haven’t had the chance to watch it? Based on the premise of a popular Dutch show, the UK version of The Traitors sees 22 of the “most cunning contestants” play the ultimate murder mystery game of deception and suspicion.
The first series of the reality competition show was an undeniable smash-hit when it aired on BBC One back in late November 2022.
A small group of contestants become the titular ‘Traitors’, and must work together to eliminate the others contestants, while the remaining contestants become ‘Faithful’ and are tasked with discovering and banishing the Traitors by voting them out – with both groups battling it out to win the grand prize of £120,000.
🏰 The Traitors series two is OFFICIALLY coming!
Think you could be the next Maddy Marple? Or go totally undetected in a glorious hooded cloak with @ClaudiaWinkle?
The first series went on to be viewed over 34 million times on BBC iPlayer, with an average of 5.4 million viewers for each episode across all platforms.
So it’s no surprise that the BBC would want to bring it back for more, right?
The broadcaster confirmed that The Traitors and its host Claudia Winkleman are to both return for a second series, with filming set to begin in the near future and members of the public who fancy taking part now encouraged to stick an application in.
BBC renews The Traitors for second series and you can apply to take part / Credit: BBC
“I can’t wait to go back to the castle to watch people play the greatest game on television,” Claudia Winkleman said ahead of the new series, “I’m knitting a high funnel sweater immediately.”
The Traitors is described by the BBC as being a game of “trust and treachery”, but do you reckon you have what it takes to play the ultimate game of detection and backstabbing?
If you’re up for it, applications are now open and you can apply on the BBC website here.
The closing date for this application is noted as Monday 31 July 2023.
The final go-ahead is expected to be given for work to start on a major new £15million sports hub in Holbeck.
Senior councillors are expected to give the approval next Wednesday 11 March at an executive board meeting.
An agreement will be made on a contractor to complete the work which will bring state-of-the-art sports pitches and a community space to the city.
Holbeck Sports Hub will provide three full-size artificial grass football pitches, two multi-use games areas and a building with changing rooms and a café.
Image: Supplied
Work is expected to begin in August 2026 and is set to be built at the site of the former Matthew Murray High School.
The plan is to also provide a home to a new GP surgery as well as a children’s play area and walking and running routes through the green space which sits off Brown Lane East and Ingram Road.
Image: Supplied
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “We look forward to the work starting on the Holbeck Sports Hub, which will be a significant asset to the local community and residents in south Leeds.
“It will provide affordable and accessible quality sports pitches, providing more opportunities for physical activity and play and spaces to meet up and connect.
“We are also working towards an agreement with a GP practice so that the area can benefit from new high-quality healthcare provision to meet the needs of the community.”
The programme is joint funded by the Football Foundation and Leeds City Council capital funding.
New grassroots music space aiming to make DJing and music more accessible opening in Headingley this month
Clementine Hall
A new grassroots music space is opening in Headingley with a mission to make DJing, vinyl and music culture more accessible.
Meanhood Studios, founded by long-time LS6 residents Jim and Katie Young, will combine a professional DJ rehearsal studio, record shop, performance space and tuition hub all under one roof.
Their aim is simple, "to level the playing field in a scene that has often felt exclusive and gatekept.”
Meanhood started as a guerrilla pop-up record shop in lockdown when Jim started selling records from his personal collection.
Built solely on quality and word-of-mouth reputation, the venture quickly grew into a respected local record spot known for its carefully curated vinyl selection.
Images: Supplied
Jim’s roots trace back to Manchester’s late-90s free party scene, he began DJing at 17 and from Hyde Park house parties to residencies at legendary clubs, he went on to host nights featuring artists who would later become major names in UK dance music.
Katie grew up in rural Cumbria, discovering music through pirate radio, library tapes and out-of-town raves. After moving to Leeds for university, she built a 20-year corporate career while supporting events, fly-posting for club nights and working behind the scenes.
“DJing is so much more than pushing buttons,” says Jim. “You’ve got to love it when no one’s watching. We want to share that knowledge and remove some of the barriers we experienced.”
Meanhood Studios will open on Friday 13 March and will offer access to equipment, rehearsal space, vinyl records and tuition for aspiring DJs and music lovers.
It's more important now than ever to support grassroots music venues, and we can't wait to check out this new space.
The Hoot -
28th June 2023 
